A really scary one is about the lost scout. In the mountains, there was a young scout who got separated from his troop during a storm. He was never found alive. Ever since then, during bad weather, scouts on the mountain can hear his cries for help. They sometimes see a figure that looks like him running through the trees, as if still lost and desperate to find his way back to safety. This story is so scary because it makes you think about how easily it could happen to you. There's also the mystery and the feeling of helplessness in the face of the unknown that adds to the terror.
There's the story of the haunted campsite. In an old scouting area, there was a particular campsite that always gave scouts an eerie feeling. At night, by the campfire, they could hear strange whispers. The story goes that a group of settlers was massacred there many years ago, and their ghosts still haunt the place. Scouts claim to have seen shadowy figures moving around the tents at night.
One classic is the story of the Headless Scout. Legend has it that a young scout got lost in the woods during a camping trip. He was never found alive, and ever since, people claim to see a headless figure in scout uniform wandering the forest near the old campsite at night.
They are often passed down from one generation of scouts to another. So there's a sense of tradition in them. Each time the story is told, it might change a little bit, adding new details or twists. For example, the story of the haunted trail might start with just a simple 'a scout saw something strange on the trail' and over the years turn into a full - blown story with a whole backstory about a lost soul who haunts the trail because of some long - forgotten event.
The story of the cursed canyon is quite terrifying. It was said that a Native American tribe put a curse on a canyon after being wronged by settlers. Any who entered at night would see the ghosts of the slain tribe members and hear their cries for vengeance. It was enough to make even the bravest cowboys avoid that place.
The unknown is a very terrifying element. For example, in stories where there are strange noises in the dark woods. You don't know what's making those noises, whether it's a wild animal or something more sinister. Another terrifying element is the isolation. When the characters are alone in the middle of the forest, far from any help, it makes the situation scarier. Just like in the story where the hiker was lost and had no one to turn to.
The unknown is a really terrifying element. For example, in many stories, there are strange noises in the dark that you can't identify. It could be a wild animal, but your mind imagines all sorts of supernatural things. Another is isolation. When the characters are alone in a spooky place like an old cabin in the woods or an abandoned building, it makes the situation scarier because there's no one to turn to for help.
Well, there's a campfire story about a haunted campsite. People say that if you set up your tent on a certain spot in the woods, at night you'll hear strange noises like growls and whispers. And then there's the story of the ghostly hiker. A hiker disappeared in the mountains long ago, and now if you hike the same trail at night, you might see his apparition. Also, the story of the cursed campsite where a group of people died mysteriously, and now it's said that any who stay there will be haunted by their spirits.
There are many 'old west campfire ghost stories'. For instance, the story of the phantom stagecoach. Travelers on certain routes at night might see a stagecoach racing by, but when they listen closely, there are no hoofbeats or voices. It's believed to be a remnant of a stagecoach that was attacked by bandits long ago and all on board perished. And then there's the story of the ghostly rancher. A rancher who lost his land and family in a feud was said to haunt his former property. People would sometimes see a figure on horseback, looking over the now - dilapidated ranch buildings.
The story of the drowned bride is really terrifying. She was on her way to the wedding, crossing a river in a carriage, but the carriage toppled and she drowned. Now, on stormy nights, people say they can see a wet - haired bride in a water - logged dress by the riverbank, reaching out as if looking for help.
The story of La Pascualita is terrifying. She is a mannequin in a bridal gown in a store in Chihuahua. Some say she has a ghostly presence. There are rumors that she moves on her own and her eyes seem to follow people around the store.